Zoo opens interactive classroom

Thursday, April 28, 2005

The peregrine falcons that live in Pittsburgh, city noises that drown out cricket calls and little conservation choices that people can make in their own kitchens are some of the topics covered in the new Windows to Conservation classroom at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

"The big idea behind this new classroom is to teach students and visitors about conservation on a local level, and do so in a fun, interactive environment," said Margie Marks, curator of conservation education at the zoo. "The various displays are not only hands-on and fun, but also require creativity and analytical thinking."

The grand opening of the classroom was yesterday.

Some of the components of the classroom include Peregrine City, which discusses the historical challenges the species has overcome. Nesting falcons live at the Gulf Tower Downtown and the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland.

Imagination Barn challenges students to think about the effects of noise pollution on an ecosystem. Using only their ears, students discover how city noises can keep a cricket call from being heard.

Conservation Kitchen demonstrates how little conservation measures in an ordinary kitchen can have a big impact on the environment.

Welcome Back Otter is a game show with an animated river otter host. Students compete by answering questions about local conservation issues and Pennsylvania's endangered species and habitats.

School groups can visit http://www.pittsburghzoo.com/ or call 412-365-2527 to sign up for the Windows to Conservation class. In mid-June, the classroom will be open to the public on weekends 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The project was funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.